The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-17

posed of in 'any way whatever We indulge the hope
that Indiana will not betray the trust eonhded in her
We FUZZY understand what reception these flags
would receive in the South. They would be wept
demonstrations of joy by the remnant of the dsloya
people of that region They would be carefully pre-
public occasions and their continued exhibition would
do much to keep alive the spirit Of rebeliion
it TT should be be the the policy @ Of every every,
loyal to discourage and suppress il true that
is somewhat offensive to our late antagonists but it
must be borne in mind that their great crime made
of these flags should they be returned them would
BIO equally offensive to the loyal people of the
try as the present display is to them.
follow in the iootsteps of Mr Cleveland in this most
extraordinary and unauthorized proceeding. but
have felt that views herein expressed might
of some value to you in the patriotic stand which
expect YOU to take in this grave aud important mat
ter.
Governor Gray was yesterday asked his opiu-
ioa relative to the reported statement OF Adlu-
tant-general Drum that IL was the purpose OF
the administration to have collected from the
various Northern States the rebel flags in their
possession to RETURN them to the South The
Governor still held to his expression Of the day
before that he had received official informa-
tion beyond the circular notifying him
that the flags of Indiana regiments
recovered during and at the close OF
the State. He did not think the Adjutant- -gen-
erals circular would bear the inference that the
rebel flags held as trophies by the Northern
States were to be collected and returned to tho
South. When asked If the rebel trophies III thu
State Library did not belong 10 Indiana and that
over then, the general government had no con-
troll he replied: when am called upon to give
them up win decide that question very quickly"
The Governor fears that the introduction to
yesterdays local article in its generalization al
what he and old soldiers said in regard TO the
return OF the flags, may be misconstrued. Aa
far as the article refers TO his views. it men-
tious only that he had nothing to say to tho
policy or purpose OF the act. except that he did
not think it necessary. The rest of the matter
in which the administration is criticised, was
based on general expressions from old soldiers
who were questioned in regard to the restoration
of the flags. The Governor is absolved from
critical reference to the act Yesterday he re-
ceved the following letter from the department
commander of the Grand Army of the Republic:
IspIANAPoLIs, June 16.
Governor Isaac p. Gray. CITY.
Dear Sir and Comrade-In bahalf of 25 900 Indi
soldiers, members of the Grand Army of the
Republic of this department, desire to enter in
dgnant protest against the return the South of the
rebellion and respectfully but urgently request you,
Governor of the State to pour influence in
venting the contamination of this outrage With
IRA ]. CHASE. Department Commander.
1. N WALKER Assistant Adiutant general
At the regular meeting of Maj. Martin r. De-
1any Post. No. 40. com mrosed OF colored men,
last night, resolutions were passed protesting
against the action of the President. and adding,
"We went once. and are ready to go again to de-
fend our rights as Union soldiers" The resolu-
tidhs further deuounce Cleveland las a political
humbug." and the order is called IAN outrage
upon all the loyal men of the North" The COM
Jones, Robert Russell, Samuel Marsh. j. j.
Thornton and Post Chaplain Morgan.
General Carnah has piece of the flag that
foated over the rebel Capitol at Richmond when
the Union troops entered that city. He sucgestH
that the Cleveland administration ought to have
it returned 80 JEFF Davis.